Five things I love about my city

Welcome to Five Things Thursday!

This week I want to talk about what I love about where we live. We live one of the many cities that surround the beautiful city of Vancouver, BC. We moved here five years ago when we were ready to purchase our first home. It was the ideal place for us to buy because it was within our price range, yet still close enough to Vancouver where both Peanut-lover and I work. It's taken me some time to feel at home here, but now I really love this city. Here are some reasons why:

1. No hills

OK, apparently there is ONE hill in this city, but I have yet to figure out where it is. And since most of my walking involves either pushing a stroller or pulling a wagon, flat is fabulous.

2. The best mall

There are several malls in the city, but I love the central mall. It is big enough to keep you busy for a day, yet not so large that you'd have to spend days just trying to figure out where you're going. And it's not one of those malls that leads you around and around in circles until you can't figure out where you parked anymore. It's very logically laid out and that I like. The best part though is the range of stores. From low-end to high-end, there is such a great selection. I can find pretty much anything I want there.

3. The midpoint for all our family

It's not exactly the midpoint, but pretty close. And since we share ourselves between three sets of parents, it is nice to be within a few hours (or less) of each of them.

4. Cultural diversity

Our city is known for its cultural diversity. I love that we have many friends from different ethnic backgrounds and that my kids are exposed to different cultural customs. I know we will still have to teach them to appreciate peoples' differences, but I think it will be easier growing up here. And I love knowing where to get the best Chinese or Greek or Indian or Korean or Sushi or Mexican.

5. Pajo's

We have the best fish and chip restaurant right on the water. Literally right on the water (it floats). I don't eat the fish, but I love the chips. And I love the atmosphere there. It is so seaside and summer.

Now it's your turn. What's your five things this week? Write a blog post and link up to join the fun. Or, if you don't have a blog, leave me your list in the comments. You don't have to copy my topic, but feel free if you need a little direction. I can't wait to hear what y'all have to say!